Drinkaware responds to BMJ on tackling alcohol harms and the nation’s recovery from covid-19

“Lockdown and continued isolation could result in concerning drinking patterns going unnoticed” says Drinkaware

Today, Drinkaware responds to an article in the BMJ, which warns, ‘if we don’t prepare for emerging from the pandemic, we will see the toll of increased alcohol harm for a generation.’

Drinkaware CEO Elaine Hindal says: “This is a stark and important warning from the Alcohol Health Alliance.

“What’s worrying is that lockdown and continued isolation could result in concerning drinking patterns going unnoticed until it’s too late.

“Our recent research has shown the impact of lockdown is affecting people’s drinking habits in different ways. Many are drinking earlier in the day, drinking more and sometimes drinking in secret. And changes like these are signs of potentially problematic behaviours that over time, can develop into alcohol dependency.

“In particular, we have found employees on furlough are drinking more since the start of lockdown. It is vital that this new normal does not lead to an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality, particularly when it comes to the health and wellbeing of the UK workforce. Employers must use every opportunity to make sure their staff don’t become disconnected throughout the extended furlough period and must plan for a return to work that prioritises employee health and wellbeing.”